Review of Nancy Drew (2007) by Luke (Chris) S — 21 Nov 2008

I used to love toddling down to the library when I was younger, and taking out as many books as I could, and reading them. When I got a little bit older, you were allowed to take out 12 books at a time. Which was just heaven for me! And yes, I used to take out 12 books at a time, and return them on time, if not before time. They were normally Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley High and occasionally Nancy Drew books. But my library never had that many Nancy Drew books, and if they did have them, it was only a couple and then the books that also featured the Hardy Boys.

When I found out there was a movie version of Nancy Drew coming out, I was apprehensive. From my memories of Nancy Drew, I didn't think there could be such a film. It just didn't work in my head.

And upon viewing? It was nonsense. Yes, they got the look of Nancy Drew practically spot on, but there was something magical missing. The supporting cast, with the exception of Tate Donovan, were average. The actor who played Ned, was too much of a pretty boy, and the comedy came from the actor who played Corky.

With films like High School Musical and Hannah Montana TV shows out there, Nancy Drew simply doesn't cut it. To be memorable, to make money, or to entice the kids away from HSM. It's pretty boring in fact. I know, I'm not the target audience, therefore, I should not be watching this, but I was intrigued by the idea.

There's a pointless cameo from Bruce Willis (uncredited) and Adam Goldberg, which has nothing really to do with the rest of the movie.

Maybe because I'm not (or wasn't) an avid reader of the books, I don't enjoy this movie as much as I should. Or maybe it's because movies like HSM and Bratz stick in my mind. Or maybe if I was 15 years younger, I would have enjoyed it better. (Does that make me sound old?) I wouldn't recommend Nancy Drew, only to readers of the books, young or old. Now where's the rest of my Sweet Valley High TV shows?